It is only 5 inches longer, but seems not as compressed as its predecessor in the back of the side view. This has for Mercedes buyers high rate of 40 percent women. Whether that reduce again? Especially since the design again has been transferred from the expensive to the cheaper models. No matter, the new dress looks good on it.

Take a look at the display. Compliant a bit SLS feeling? While the motors promise less new except direct injection at V-6, the rest of the drive with variable torque distribution (right/left) feels already different and especially the suspension. Not only the damping is adjustable, the steering also active.

And when the engines were also largely taken over, they should at least sound better. No, the loudspeakers play still no role at the engine sound and on the exhaust system is only manipulated in normal size. But the four-cylinder is directed an additional intake noise by quite profane per hose pipe into the interior.

As if this little thing we almost forgot the best, the once legendary retractable roof, where the SLK once took over the leadership. It has now been given embedded glass. And to protect the occupants from too much sun, a push of a button is sufficient and the glass is dark.

Actually, it's a pity that the once relatively inexpensive Mercedes convertible does not exist anymore. The purchase price still feels relatively moderate, but the next models, diesel or 250 are already more than 3000 € more expensive, despite at the petrol engine identical basic engine. The distance to at least six-cylinder SL with almost twice as high basic price remains to be preserved.

Therefore, the SLK looks this almost too similar. If one chooses, however, a similar engine and the 7G-TronicPlus, it is already clear the way towards SL. Otherwise, one may expect in the 'entry model' typical Mercedes standards. There is no evidence of compromise, everything functional and haptically all right.

Especially good the convertible copes with the wind. Closed in any case, but also left open is maintained the carefully modeled hairdo to almost freeway speed limit. Recommended for the colder days 'Airscarf', the air shower for the neck. You can suggest strong qualities to the outside without really have to suffer. 04/11